Anterior talofibular ligament

Anterior talofibular ligament Definition

The Anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) is an ankle ligament that passes down across the ankle joint in an antromedial way, to the talus bone's anterior aspect from the fibular malleolus' anterior margin. This is one of the lateral ankle ligaments. It is not to be confused with the Anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament.

It is known as Ligamentum talofibulare anterius in Latin and as Ligament talofibulaire antérieur in French.

Anterior talofibular ligament Anatomy

The ligament measures 20 mm long, 10 - 12 mm wide and 2 mm thick.

Anterior talofibular ligament Origin

Its point of origin is the fibular malleolus, a spot at the fibula's (calf bone) end.

Anterior talofibular ligament Function

The ligament connects the front or anterior of the fibula to the talus or anklebone. It prevents the sliding of the foot in a forward fashion with respect to the shin. Along with other bones and ligaments, it keeps the ankle joint stable and protects it from impact or force.

Anterior talofibular ligament Injury

In the ankle's lateral collateral complex, the anterior talofibular ligament is known to be the weakest ligament. In any type of sprained ankle injury, the ATFL happens to be the most commonly injured ligament. Anterior talofibular ligament injury happens to be the commonest ligament injury that can result from a lateral ligament complex injury, such as avulsion fractures or soft tissue tears or both.

Generally, ATFL injuries such as Anterior talofibular ligament rupture happen with an injury to and/or inversion of the plantar flexion in the ankle. Around two-thirds of sprains in ankle happen to be isolated ATFL injuries. It is generally agreed that avulsion is commoner at the fibular end of the ligament, rather than the talar end.

Depending on the severity, ATFL injuries can be categorized into the following grades:

Grade III - Tear of the anterior talofibular ligament is complete, and ligament is unable to bear weight. It is related to severe joint instability.

Once an ankle ligament is torn, stretched or bruised, Anterior talofibular ligament sprain occurs and limits the ankle motion. The ligament, due to its lateral position in the human ankle, takes in most of the impact or shock when the ankle twists in a difficult way or the foot is unnaturally planted.

The joint sprains occurring from excessively stretched are generally mild in form, although if fully or partially torn, there can be more severe damage. Even a mild anterior talofibular ligament strain can repair itself in 3 - 4 days.

Anterior talofibular ligament Treatment

Diagnosis for this ligament involves evaluation of the ATFL with the ankle in plantarflexion, talar tilt test and anterior drawer test. Inversion (supination) test is also carried out. Ultrasound, MRI and Plain radiograph/CT scan might be needed.

Acute ATFL injuries need cold application, use of NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, elevation of foot and elastic bandage, supportive boot, crutches etc. In the subacute phrase, injuries need physical therapy with range of motion exercises. During rehabilitation, strengthening exercises, like toe marble pick-up, calf raises and towel toe scrunches might be performed. During this time, balance-training activities along with light running and jumping might be included for Anterior talofibular ligament repair.

Anterior talofibular ligament Surgery

Anterior talofibular ligament tear surgery might be needed in acute Grade 3 sprains, especially if the Anterior talofibular ligament pain is ongoing or you constantly feel like your ankle will fail to provide you with any more support. In such cases, screws might be used to reattach your torn ankle ligaments. You might need a cast and use crutches during the entire Anteriortalofibular ligament tear recovery time. After the cast is taken off, treatment starts at the subacute level and advances through the rehabilitation and functional stages.

Anteriortalofibular ligament Pictures

The following Anteriortalofibular ligament images and diagrams will help you to know about the physical appearance of this ligament.